Unpuzzling: The Process of Thinking Backwards
Watching the aspen leaves gently dance in the wind was the most soothing feeling. It was the first time I had felt unpuzzled in weeks.
There's been a project that I've wanted to work on for many years now. But every time I start, I get stuck and stop. It's a series of books that I envision as a unique blend of artwork, storytelling, teaching, reflection questions, and creative prompts to enhance the learning experience. They are different from what I've seen in the market and don't quite fit into any genre I've seen. I can see them crystal clear in my head, but every time I try to explain them to others, they don't understand. They ask me questions I don't know how to answer: Who is your audience? What are the stories about? How many books will there be? When will you publish them?
I try to figure it all out, get overwhelmed, and then stop. But the desire to make the books remains.
A few weeks ago, an epiphany came. A video featuring Tony Robbins appeared online. He was discussing a method of planning that centers on focusing on our results. This method, as he explained, involves being crystal clear about what we want the result to be, which then makes it easier to plan our actions, skip unnecessary steps, and achieve it more quickly.
It made sense, so I tried it. My experience of this method was interesting and unexpected. I picked one of my goals. I wanted to run online ads for my business. I defined the end goal and went to YouTube to learn how to achieve it. The videos were complex, confusing, and overwhelming. One video after another led to increasing frustration. Before you knew it, I was boiling inside. I ended up spending most of my day off going down a rabbit hole that didn't lead to my desired result. Finally, I threw my hands up in the air and quit.
Focusing on results can lead to this. It frustrates us when we don't arrive at our destination right away. Or they can make us feel so overwhelmed by the goal that we don't even try, as was the case with my books.
There may be another way. Instead of focusing on what the end will look like, we can learn to think backwards and focus on the process instead. The goal could be to create an exceptional process that aligns with our unique way of thinking and working. A process that is not just a means to an end, but an enjoyable and engaging journey in itself.
From this new perspective, my books made a great deal more sense. I didn't need to know the answers to all of those questions. I could start exactly where I was and discover the answers along the way. It was a relief to realize that I didn't have to have all the answers from the start.
Designing a process is fun. I think best when I'm working with my hands, especially when making art. So I set up my studio so I can write while I make art. My mind tends to wander between topics, allowing me to make connections and explore new perspectives, much like putting together pieces of a puzzle.
My mind gets trapped by linear structures, such as outlines, so I started writing on index cards—one idea or story per card. I can shuffle and organize the cards later.
My books are like a puzzle: numerous ideas, diverse pieces, and much to explore. Instead of forcing them into a finished idea, I can let them be. Sway in the wind like the leaves and trust they'll connect over time.
Puzzles can be fun or frustrating. It all depends on whether you focus on the result or the process. Either way, the pieces come together in the end, but one way is a lot more fun.
What is a new process you would like to design for yourself? Consider ways to enhance your creative process to make it more engaging and enjoyable. It's a chance to explore new ideas and perspectives.
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About the Artwork
The original of Higher Order is currently showing at the Coffee Coral in Eldorado, New Mexico. It will be up for the month of July. You can visit the show or contact Pi Luna directly if you are interested in the piece.